Essex woman cautioned after 165 phone calls to 999

Essex Police said about 80% of its emergency calls were better dealt with online or via 101

A woman has received a conditional caution after dialling emergency services 165 times inside three months.

Essex Police said call handlers were subjected to verbal abuse and that none of the 51-year-old's 999 calls required a response from officers.

The Tilbury woman was arrested on Wednesday and cautioned after interview.

Supt Jamie Gingell said: "I hope this arrest proves that we will not tolerate any abuse to our officers and staff."

She was held during interview on suspicion of sending a false message by public electronic network to cause annoyance and sending communications of an offensive nature.

Conditional cautions issued by the police are not a prosecution, but individuals typically have to agree to a rehabilitation course or a financial penalty.

Essex Police said about 80% of the 999 calls it received were better dealt with by its live chat service or by calling 101.